Index
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)
Summary
The NJ LAD is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country, protecting employees and tenants from discrimination and harassment based on a wide variety of protected classes.
Rights & Rules
- 01.You are protected from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and age.
- 02.Employers must make 'reasonable accommodations' for an employee's disability or pregnancy, unless it causes an 'undue hardship' to the business.
- 03.The law strictly prohibits sexual harassment, including both 'quid pro quo' (demanding favors for a job) and 'hostile work environment' (severe or pervasive harassment).
- 04.Employers cannot retaliate against you for complaining about discrimination or participating in an investigation.
Penalties
- 01.Violators can be ordered to pay back pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, and the victim's attorney's fees.
Verified Citations
New Jersey Statutes Annotated 10:5-12
Source"It shall be an unlawful employment practice, or, as the case may be, an unlawful discrimination: For an employer, because of the race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sex, gender identity or expression... to refuse to hire or employ..."